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Ogemaw County Resident to Pay Nearly $775,000 After Investigation Finds Alleged Insurance Fraud
Media Contact: Laura Hall, 517-290-3779, halll17@michigan.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2021
(LANSING, MICH) As a result of a cooperative investigation between the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Fraud Investigation Unit and the Ogemaw County Sheriff’s Office, a West Branch man has been sentenced to 90 days in jail and must also pay restitution of nearly $775,000 for an alleged insurance scam.
Darrell Lee Hardenburgh, of West Branch, appeared on April 21 before the Ogemaw County 34
th Judicial Circuit Court. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail and three years’ probation for receiving and concealing stolen property in excess of $20,000. As part of the plea, Mr. Hardenburgh was not charged with several additional counts of insurance fraud but was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $746,529.21 to Hastings Mutual Insurance Company and
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Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Reminds Consumers that Mental Health Care is Covered by Most Health Insurance Plans
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Reminds Consumers that Mental Health Care is Covered by Most Health Insurance Plans
Media Contact: Laura Hall, 517-290-3779, halll17@michigan.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 6, 2021
(LANSING, MICH) May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding Michiganders that many health plans cover mental health services, including telemedicine, which can help people get the support and services they need.
“The last 14 months have been challenging for all Michiganders. Many people could use some help or someone to talk to as they cope with the health and financial worries caused by the pandemic,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “It is important that Michiganders know that mental health services are considered an essen
Laura Hall
LANSING Through an agreement announced today between Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), and all nine of Michigan’s Marketplace insurers, Michiganders enrolled in a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace can now take advantage of expanded tax subsidies offered by the American Rescue Plan without having to restart their deductibles when they switch to another plan offered by their current insurer, and in some cases even if they choose a plan through another insurer.
“Every Michigander deserves to have access to high quality, affordable health coverage, and these agreements will allow them to upgrade or change their health plan without worrying about the expense of meeting a brand new deductible,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “I’m pleased that health insurers agreed to give Michiganders credit for the funds they have already paid toward their family’s deductible if they change their
By Journal Staff
LANSING Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Director Anita Fox are warning Michiganders about a GEICO insurance breach.
In a notice filed in April, the company informed affected customers that, “We recently determined that between January 21, 2021 and March 1, 2021, fraudsters used information about you – which they acquired elsewhere – to obtain unauthorized access to your driver’s license number through the online sales system on our website. We have reason to believe that this information could be used to fraudulently apply for unemployment benefits in your name…”
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency is not aware of this breach directly impacting Michiganders at this time but is working to detect any fraudulent behavior.
DIFS
Media Contact: Laura Hall, 517-290-3779, halll17@michigan.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2021
(LANSING, MICH) Through an agreement announced today between Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), and all nine of Michigan’s Marketplace insurers, Michiganders enrolled in a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace can now take advantage of expanded tax subsidies offered by the American Rescue Plan without having to restart their deductibles when they switch to another plan offered by their current insurer, and in some cases even if they choose a plan through another insurer.
“Every Michigander deserves to have access to high quality, affordable health coverage, and these agreements will allow them to upgrade or change their health plan without worrying about the expense of meeting a brand new deductible,” said